I’m borrowing the title of this page from the site Ryan created for Della when she was born, The Della Daily Dose. My goal for this page is to write 1 thing daily about or for Della, and the briefer the better. I read about a similar idea on the day of her first birthday and thought it would be an interesting way to chronicle a year of her life. Seeing how I was not blogging when she was born and am terrible about keeping up with my pen-to-paper journal, I thought I’d give it a try on here. And so I give you a dedicated space for The D Daily Dose.
(FYI, because I write so much about these kids, their pages are all broken into yearly chunks so as not to crash my site. I’ll keep the current year on the main page for ease of use. Enjoy!)
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January 10, 2018
Oh, my sweet girl. It’s been so long since I updated for you, I don’t even know where to begin. You are such a wonderful kid. You had an amazing time being home over the holidays and your Christmas break, just playing with Lana and Morrison the whole time making up games, putting together all the Beados you girls got for Christmas, spending time with us at home. You got a little fill-in-the-blanks book from Grandma where you could describe things about Lana, and it is the absolute sweetest, kindest thing I have ever read. She got in trouble last weekend, too, and you wrote her a note saying you loved her with all your heart and more and it should be you getting in trouble. The love you have and show for your siblings is so beautiful, and I can’t wait to see it grow with the twins. You are so excited for them to get here, and you are going to be such a fantastic help with them.
You are also one of the funniest kids I have ever watched do something. Yours and Lana’s new “thing” of choice has been to-do lists the past couple days. One of your checkboxes is for “get dressed in bed.” Ok, that’s fine, you like to be efficient in the mornings. So the past couple days you’d wear whatever leggings you were wearing to school the next day to bed at night, always putting them on after I’d tucked you guys in for the night and left the room. Last night when I went in to give you a kiss before I went to bed, I noticed that you had your entire outfit for today on, not just the bottoms. And it’s jeans and a sweatshirt! You are so silly, my dear, and I love it.
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January 24, 2018
Only 1 more week until you’re a big sister for the third (and final!) time, my love! You are so excited with your countdown going and everything, and you keep asking who’s winning the listening contest. I told you guys a few months ago that the kid who listens to me the best between then and when the twins are born would win a special prize, since you can all be crazy sometimes, which in turn drives me crazy. You, of course, are the best listener in this house and beyond, but I do have a little present for you and Lana when they’re born. It’s a cool distressed wood sign that says “love” that will be a great decoration for your new room upstairs. I can’t wait to watch you help care for these little boys, sweet pea. You are such a great kid and big sister! All the other ones in this house are so lucky to have you as their role model. I love you so much, peanut.
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January 30, 2018
Last day before the twins, sweet pea! You are going to be the best biggest sister this brood could possibly ask for. Get ready! The other night when I tucked you guys into bed, you said that when the babies are born our spirits are going to have babies, too. I think you’re ready, with your enormous heart and beautiful mind.
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February 1, 2018
You guys came to the hospital this afternoon to see me and meet the babies, and you were excited from the start. You love them so much, and you wanted to hold Nat right away. That’s probably because we told you we thought he looked like you did as a baby. 🙂 You all made me cards while I was in the hospital, and they are so sweet I’ll keep them forever. You are going to be the best big sister, again!
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February 9, 2018
You and Lana had a snow day from school today, so Daddy took you big 3 sledding. You guys just love playing in the snow and were so cute! You made a great little snowman, since we really got very little snow (not nearly enough for a snow day, but they canceled MPS last night so pretty much everywhere closed after that), and I took a picture to send to Mrs. Brody. She wanted to see what all you guys did on your day off. I love seeing pictures from your teacher for little peeks into your days at school.
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February 16, 2018
You and Lana are both home sick from school today, unfortunately. Lana started throwing up yesterday afternoon and continued into the night, so I knew she couldn’t go in. Then you started having a weird cough, cold symptoms, and said your tummy hurt a little, too, so I just kept you home as well. Thankfully you never threw up, though, so hopefully neither one is the flu.
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February 17, 2018
Both of you seem much better today. Hooray!
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February 18, 2018
Daddy hooked up a little video game system in our bedroom for you guys to play on and you absolutely love it.
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February 22, 2018
Grandma came back up for the week, and she took you and Lana swimming this afternoon at the hotel that Grandpa was going to stay at for a night or two. He never ended up coming, but they kept the room anyway so you guys could go play. You got right back to the great swimming strokes you’ve learned, and you played swimming lessons with Grandma as your teacher. You both had so much fun! Then you went up to their room to shower and of course got to jump on the bed. The best part of hotels!
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February 23, 2018
You went to the art museum with your good friend Bella today, and you had so much fun. She and her mom have been giving you and Lana rides to school since Daddy went back to work, and it has been an absolute lifesaver for me. They only live a block away from us, so it has worked out great.
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March 2, 2018
You had a class field trip to Palermo’s today, which was so cool. It was one of the last tours they’re giving, you got a big slice of pizza, and you even got a t-shirt!
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March 4, 2018
You went to the public museum with friends today, another really fun Sunday outing. These friends are twin girls who are in your class and live about 3 blocks away from us, and their mom is a curator there. So you all got in free, spent pretty much the whole day, and got to go behind the scenes to all the new exhibits. Very cool!
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March 17, 2018
Your Brownie troop had a rummage sale at one of the neighborhood parks this morning, and you had a blast running around with all your friends. We collected a wagonful of donations from the neighbors, so hopefully some of our stuff sold. You girls had made signs for the sale at a prior meeting, and you got to hold them out on the street corner by the high school with some of the adult volunteers to try to attract traffic. When I went out to get you, you came running across the street and unfortunately tripped and splayed out right in the middle of the crosswalk. Ouch!! I’m so sorry, peanut. You of course hopped right up and said you were fine, but it looked like it really hurt. You’re one tough kid, my love.
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March 18, 2018
You’re having quite the culture streak here, my friend. You got to go to the art museum again today with Bella, and you girls did some cool Georgia O’Keeffe replicas on canvas.
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March 19, 2018
You guys have been doing a March Madness for books in your class, and you’ve been reading some really fun stories this month. You’re also working on writing friendly letters and persuasive writing. The other day you came home with an example of the latter, with a letter to me and Daddy asking for your own computer. You listed the various reasons why you think you should have one, then closed by saying you really, really, really want your own computer. Nice try, my dear.
Tonight was your cartwheel-a-thon at gymnastics, too. From 4:30-6:00, you apparently just did as many cartwheels as you could, then you still had to have your regular gymnastics class from 6:00-7:00. Eesh. Your pledge sheet said everyone’s goal was 200 cartwheels, and every per-cartwheel pledge was multiplied by 200. You just took in a $40 lump sum donation so you could earn your pair of shorts; we didn’t bother with pledges by the cartwheel. You said you did 500, which sounds like an absolute ton of cartwheels to do in 90 minutes, but you insisted. You were your own counter, too, so there’s that. Daddy and I said we definitely would’ve thrown up, but you didn’t. You did look exhausted, though, you poor thing, so hopefully you can get all the rest your body needs tonight without waking up having to barf.
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March 20, 2018
You were excited tonight because you girls finally get to help give the babies their bottles. I started trying to put the twins on a 3-hour eating schedule today, with me pumping bottles of milk to give them and to also mix with a little formula a couple times a day instead of nursing every time. I’m hoping it will help them sleep a little better during the nights, but it will also let me not be so trapped with feeding them constantly. Anyway, you’ve been waiting to give them bottles, so that can now be a nightly thing if you want.
You have turned into such an incredible help since these babies have come home, even more so than you were already. You now get up and get breakfast made for the 3 of you guys before school each day. I sleep in a little longer than I used to since I don’t have to get myself and the boys ready to go to school since you girls get a ride, which has helped a little since they rarely sleep very well at night. You also make your lunch most days, which is also a gigantic help to me. You help Morrison get his diaper off and into the bathroom to go pee when you all wake up, and you help him get his undies out of the drawer and put on. And you’ve done it all so willingly, without even being asked, and without complaint. To say I love you for it is an understatement. You are one of the most loving, kind-hearted, purely sweet souls I’ve ever known, and I hope you never lose one single ounce of that. Always keep your golden heart and spirit, my love, and you will go far. I love you so much!
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March 22, 2018
You, Lana, and Morrison had a real tea party with Daddy tonight. I got you a butterfly tea set off Amazon, and he set everything up for you tonight, complete with sugar bowl and everything. You guys had so much fun, and it was so cute to watch!
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March 23, 2018
Today was the start of spring break, and since we’re not going anywhere this year I set up a campout for you 3 in your bedroom. You’re all in sleeping bags on the floor, I tied a sheet over the top to make a canopy, and I put Lana’s little campfire set in the middle on the floor for some camping ambiance. We even had s’mores after dinner to kick it off and everything. You guys loved it! I was so happy to be able to do something fun for you since we’re not having a real vacation.
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March 28, 2018
We met my friend Melissa and her 2 younger kids at the zoo today, and it was the first time I’ve taken all 5 of you. It was a lot of work, and I was pretty crabby the whole time, but fortunately you guys said you still had fun. I always apologize for being crabby at you guys, especially when the twins make everything a lot more work than it used to be. I never ever want any of you 3 feeling like they get more attention, so I’m trying really hard to make sure you still get as much as possible. I always tell you, too, that no matter how crabby I may sound, I always love you guys so much.
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March 29, 2018
You, Lana, and Morrison went up to Uncle Rich and Auntie Billie’s for your first sleepover, and you are so excited! I can’t wait to hear how it all goes, because I know you’re going to have a blast. You were so excited to pack the bags Auntie Billie gave you guys with your names on them for Christmas, specifically for this spring break sleepover.
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March 30, 2018
As expected, you guys had a blast last night and today! Thank you for helping take care of Lana and Morrison, as usual. They were both a little nervous about being gone for the night, and Morrison was sad in the car on the way up, so having you with them was a huge comfort. You are the most amazing big sister, sweet pea.
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April 4, 2018
You were so excited tonight because Grandma and Lana came to watch you at gymnastics tonight. You are absolutely loving your gymnastics classes!
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April 5, 2018
Today was our annual Easter egg hunt block party, and you guys had so much fun. Then you went over to Amelia W.’s for her birthday party during the afternoon hours. The theme of the party was cats, so you wore your cheetah costume, which you love so much. I just simply adore how cute you are, peanut!
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April 11, 2018
I came to watch you at gymnastics tonight for parent observation week, which you love. And you told me today that you were the highest scorer in your class on your weekly comprehension test. Great job, peanut! I am always so proud of you!
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April 14, 2018
You came down with a stomach bug last night, boo. I’m sorry, little one. I hope it’s very short lived.
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April 19, 2018
Tonight you told us that in class today you and your classmates discovered that you could spell s-h-i-t with your weekly spelling words. Oh great. At least you guys told Mrs. Brody about it and she told you not to do it, so I guess that’s a plus. Stinkin’ school – I knew this kind of stuff was coming and have been dreading it. This isn’t even bad either!
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April 22, 2018
Happy Earth Day! You guys picked up trash while outside playing with friends today – you are so good about always wanting to do good. Always keep that, my love.
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April 24, 2018
We walked to pick you up from school today for the first time since last fall. You love walking home again. But then tonight you guys were all playing outside with friends and Morrison ran home across the street by himself, which we told you and Lana not to let happen, so you all have to play on our side all spring and summer unless one of us is out there with you. Gotta learn this lesson.
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April 28, 2018
Yours and Lana’s creativity and projects always amaze me. Currently, you’re working on making houses – they’re drawn on sheets of paper, then you fill in all the people in the windows, color in the front and back yards, and even make swimming pools. So good!
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May 2, 2018
Grandma is in town for a few days for Lana’s star student, and she came to watch the end of your gymnastics class tonight. She was very impressed by your handstand splits.
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May 5, 2018
You, Lana, and Morrison did the kids run after Run the Bay this morning, and you loved it again. Then you played outside with friends all day and went to your friend Clara’s birthday party tonight. Busy, fun day!
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May 6, 2018
You’re having quite the weekend, peanut. Today you went to all 3 museums – Art Museum, Betty Brinn, and Public Museum – with your friend Bella and her mom. You made a really cool painting at the art museum on a little canvas. You’re quite the artist.
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May 7, 2018
Today you had your school field trip to the Audubon Nature Center, which is always one of your favorites. You went “ponding” and found a whole bunch of little creatures in there.
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May 8, 2018
Thank you so much for my birthday present and card, sweet pea! Last night you asked Daddy to take you to the store so you could get me something, and it ended up being a whole planter full of blooming tulip bulbs, so I can plant them in my garden for years to come! You know they’re my favorites. Then you and Lana made me cards and scavenger hunts that ended in bags of candy. You are so thoughtful, my love!
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May 31, 2018
We had your Spring Sing at school the other day, and you did so great! You found me in the crowd, and we waved at each other a number of times. It was perfect, because you knew exactly where to look so I could take some good pictures. The songs your class performed were great, and I loved watching your dance in the middle of the playground. You were having so much fun, and I love seeing your sweet little personality shine through at school. This morning I got to go into your classroom first thing and read a story to everyone as an early birthday celebration since yours is during summer vacation, and you loved it. When the class sang Happy Birthday to you, your singing response was so quiet and cute, my little sweet pea. You picked out scented erasers at the dollar store last night to pass out to everyone, and they loved them. I’m so happy to be able to be a part of your school days like that sometimes. You are such a joy to watch!
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June 8, 2018
Happy last day of 2nd grade, peanut! Off to 3rd you go!
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June 24, 2018
You and I went to the Brewers game with your Brownies troop, and you had so much fun! I haven’t been to a game in a very long time, and it was really great watching you play with your friends again, whom you haven’t seen since school let out a few weeks ago. I love being able to spend some one-on-one time with you, peanut.
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June 27, 2018
You had a play date over at your friend Nora’s house this afternoon, and you girls did the most amazing thing in your free hours together. You made a video of 6 kind things you can do for someone today. They included holding the door, making a dress, complimenting them, calling your grandparents to ask how they’re doing, telling your parents you love them, and I forget the last one. I was so impressed!! You are truly sweet girls, and that is totally my kind of play date. I hope your friends and friendships always remain so good and true.
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June 28, 2018
I took you, Lana, and Morrison to the zoo this morning, and it was a fun little outing without the babies. The dinosaur exhibit is back this summer, which you all were very excited to see, then you chose to do the merry-go-round on the way out. I hope to take you guys back many times this summer while the dinos are still here. You and Lana also rode your bikes in a kids bike race over in Shorewood tonight, which of course you loved since you got ice cream at the end.
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June 29, 2018
Daddy took you, Lana, and Morrison up to Bookworm Gardens today with Grandma Rau, then out to lunch with Grandma and Uncle Randy’s family. You all loved it, as it’s one of your favorite summer places.
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July 4, 2018
Happy 4th of July, my love! I absolutely love this day, and it is so very much fun in our village. You all wore your 4th of July outfits from Grandma Rau and got your candy bags ready for the parade. It was so hot today, but thankfully there was a small area of shade you guys could all sit in with some of the other moms from the block. We then hung out with our friends in the front yard all day until the thunderstorms rolled in. Then we moved the party inside, listened to music, watched the big NYC fireworks on TV, and just had a great time. We all loved it!
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July 5, 2018
Due to the thunderstorms last night, our village fireworks were postponed until tonight. So Daddy took you, Lana, and Morrison, and you guys loved them. They were so loud, so you took ear muffs for Morrison and ear plugs for you girls, which worked perfectly.
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July 13, 2018
You were so cute this morning, peanut. You were playing with Morrison’s construction set on the Bucky rug by yourself, and I couldn’t help but stop and watch your creative little mind at work.
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July 19, 2018
We went down to Big Bay this morning, and we found so much sea glass! You guys all love it every time a piece turns up, and today was an unusually successful day. I don’t know if it was because the water level was a little higher today or what, but it was great. You big 3 played in the water, too, and you had so much fun.
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July 20, 2018
You gave your doll a checkup this morning with a British accent, and it was hilarious. We went to the Brewers game tonight with Uncle Randy and Uncle Rich’s families and got to watch it from a suite, and you had so much fun playing with your cousins the whole time.
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July 21, 2018
I took you big 3 up to Bookworm Gardens for the Fairyfolk Festival today, and you all loved it. You made fairy houses, decorated wands, danced with bubbles, and explored. It was a lot of fun, and we went out to lunch with Grandma Rau afterward.
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July 23, 2018
You start gymnastics camp today for the week, and you are so excited! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, because you get to do different activities every afternoon – trip to DQ, swimming, pajama party, etc.
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August 1, 2018
Happy 8th birthday, sweet pea!! You had a very fun day – woke up and opened presents, had pancakes with chocolate chips for breakfast, got McDonald’s for lunch, Daddy made jambalaya for dinner, and you chose to get DQ for your birthday treat. We’re all so proud of the sweet, smart, caring, wonderful girl you are, and I couldn’t possibly love you any more. I hope you have a fantastic year ahead, peanut!
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August 4, 2018
We had your birthday party today, and it was so hot! It wasn’t Rausagefest this year so it was a lot smaller than usual, but you still had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa Rau, some of the neighbors, and Mr. Hand and Miss Clara came. You, your brother and sister, and a bunch of your neighbor friends played on the slackline almost all day and had so much fun. I love seeing you guys all grow up here surrounded by so much fun and happiness.
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August 6, 2018
We’re down in Peoria visiting family for a couple days, and today you and Lana jumped off the diving board in Uncle Nate and Aunt Sherry’s pool with your floats. You’re having so much fun!
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August 10, 2018
You and Lana went over to Anna’s spa birthday party today and absolutely loved it – hair color and glitter, pedicures, and fun!
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August 23, 2018
I took you big 3 to a pool/water slide park near our house tonight after dinner with Bella, Daphne, Lilly, and their moms, and you loved it! You had so much fun splashing around with your friends and going down the slide with me. You were a little sad that you couldn’t swim well enough to take the swim test to go in the deep end with your friends, but you still had a lot of fun. We’ll get you back in swimming this fall so you can pass the test with the rest of them next summer, peanut.
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August 29, 2018
We had your 8-year checkup today, and everything looked perfectly healthy. You still have a very slight curvature of your lower spine, but she said it’s nothing at all to be concerned about. You do, however, have to go to the eye doctor for your first eye exam. You couldn’t read all the lines on the chart across the room at the doctor’s office, so that’s a sure sign. You will look so cute in glasses if you need them! You did say it will bother you a little bit if you do end up having to wear them, but I think you’ll forget all about that once they become just part of you and you realize how much clearer you can see.
Here are your official 8-year stats:
- Height: 53″ (87%)
- Weight: 60.5 lbs. (64%)
- BMI: 15.1 kg/m2
- Blood Pressure: 109/69
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August 30, 2018
We went back down to Big Bay today to look for more sea glass, but the water was really high so it wasn’t the best hunting. You guys did find a couple pieces, though. The same thing happened last year when we went down there at the very end of summer vacation – the whole beach was totally underwater with big waves. School meet and greet was tonight, so we took all your supplies to your room, dropped them off, and met your teacher. She seems great! I think you’re going to have a great 3rd grade year.
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August 31, 2018
One last trip to the zoo for this summer vacation
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September 4, 2018
1st day of 3rd grade, peanut! You’ve said the past couple days how you’re not excited for school to start again and don’t want summer vacation to end, but I have a feeling that’s not really true. You love school and being with your friends all day. I know you’re a little nervous because none of your really best friends from past years are in your class this year, but you make friends so easily I know you’ll be just fine and happy. I hate that you and Lana start at the same time this year and go in different doors, because I want to be able to wait in line with both of you. This morning I was so sad because after Lana and I said goodbye to you and went to wait in her line, I saw you turn to look for me as you walked in the door; I waved, but I was too far across the playground and you couldn’t see me. My heart broke. So I sent your teacher a message to let you know that I did see you when you went in, and I didn’t want you to be sad or nervous if you had been looking for me and couldn’t find me. I didn’t want you thinking I’d abandoned you for Lana’s line. See, missing you girls while you’re at school all day pulls on my heart! But I didn’t have to worry at all, because you had a great day and were very happy when you came out at dismissal.
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September 8, 2018
First day of your new swim lessons at the high school through the rec department instead of at the JCC. All 3 of you are on Saturday mornings now, and you had a great first lesson. I have a feeling you’ll pass level 2 with flying colors and will be a strong swimmer by the time we’re done with these. You’re so cute – you love to look across the pool when I’m in with Morrison’s lesson and give us a giant smile and wave. I love you and your huge heart so much, peanut.
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September 11, 2018
You were so sad at bedtime, my love. I could tell something was wrong when I tucked you guys in because you were quieter than usual and your face looked a little upset, but you said nothing was wrong. I was right, though. Morrison came out a few minutes after I’d tucked you all in saying you were crying. You were all upset because you thought no one ever believes you. I said we always listen to and want to believe you, peanut, what do you mean? Earlier that evening you guys had been playing out on the porch and Lana didn’t believe you when you told her one of her Shopkins was out there, then just before bed Daddy and I didn’t believe that his magazine gave you a paper cut on your finger when you showed it to us. I’m so sorry, sweet girl. We definitely believe you! We just didn’t think his magazine was actually what gave you that cut, because it looked like it had been there a while – it’s certainly not because we don’t believe what you tell us or think you’re making stuff up. You’re such a great kid and we know you don’t lie to us. We’ll always listen to you, my beautiful, sweet, sensitive girl.
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September 14, 2018
Tonight was Fall Fest right after school. Daddy was able to meet us there so we could all go, and you guys have so much fun every year. This year you did face painting, pumpkin plinko, the dig-through-the-straw game, and you got cotton candy, pizza, and soda for treats. Sounds like a fun time to me!
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September 19, 2018
You had your first eye exam this afternoon, and it’s time for glasses! Your eyes are 20/80 and 20/100, which translates to a prescription of -1.25 and -1.50. You had so much fun picking out the perfect frames, and we go pick them up tomorrow! You look absolutely adorable in them, and I can’t wait for you to be able to see clearly again. You don’t even realize that things have become blurry, because that’s just how you’re used to seeing everything. Just wait, my love – it will be so nice!
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September 21, 2018
Daddy picked you up from school today and you went to go get your new glasses, and you look SO cute!! You’re amazed by how much better you can see and how clear everything is.
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September 24, 2018
Today was your first day at school with your new glasses, and you said everyone said they liked them. Whew! I was so worried that someone was going to be a typical kid and make fun of them, but it sounds like no one did. You said you could see all the boards in your classroom so much better, too.
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October 4, 2018
Tonight was Open House at school, and I always love seeing your classroom, your artwork, and everything you’ve been working on during this first month of school. It looks like you are thriving and loving 3rd grade, and it just makes me so happy that the place where you spend so much of your days makes you so happy.
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October 5, 2018
I took you and Lana out of school after a half day today and we drove down to Grandma’s house to start our trip out to Tucson. We fly out tomorrow afternoon so Great-Grandma Barbie and Great-Grandpa Bob can see all you guys and meet the twins. You are so excited to go on an airplane again!
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October 6, 2018
You, Lana, and Morrison did amazing on our flight to Tucson today. Thank you!! Especially since Avit did not, it was so nice not having to worry about you 3 misbehaving. Excellent work.
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October 12, 2018
You went roller skating tonight with your friends Daphne and Lilly and their family, and you had a blast. And you are the absolute sweetest girl I’ve ever known – you came home with your bag full of little trinkets you bought for you, Lana, and Morrison. You got everyone a lip gloss (we’ll tell Morrison his is chapstick) and a little toy (you and M got light-up narwhal keychains and L got a squishy light-up unicorn), and you and Lana got little rings with stones that resemble your birthstones. I can’t even tell you how full my heart is when I see your love for your siblings like that. I love you so much, peanut!
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October 14, 2018
Today you went to the art museum with your friend Bella and her mom for a Day of the Dead celebration, which you loved. And again, you came home with little gifts for Morrison and Lana. I love how you always want them to be included in your fun outings somehow. Today it was little erasers for everyone. You were so proud that each one only cost a dollar, too! We’ll work on learning the value of money, my love. 😉
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October 24, 2018
You girls had a half day of school today then are off tomorrow and Friday for conferences and fall break. Hooray! This morning you had your Halloween party in class, then at the end of the morning was the school costume parade; you were a gypsy. Then I had both of your parent-teacher conferences this afternoon, and the school year is going great! Mrs. Borga said you are doing so well. The only things she mentioned to work on are your pace of reading sometimes and focusing while you’re working in class. Otherwise it sounds like an awesome 3rd grade year. Nice job, peanut!
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November 12, 2018
This afternoon was your firetalking presentation at school for the last half hour of the day, and we all were able to go! I brought your brothers, Lana was able to leave class early and meet me at the office, and Daddy was able to come from work. We all went up to your classroom, where each of you had little campfires set up on your desks, made out of halved toilet paper rolls, red and yellow tissue paper to make the flames, and a flameless candle for the fire. Then you read us the personal narrative that you’d written the week prior and turned into a little book. Since we were up north last week while everyone worked on that part in class, Mrs. Borga had given you all the paper and supplies to make your book and you made it on our trip. You worked really hard on it, and we were so proud when we saw your little setup! You wrote about the day you got to meet the twins at the hospital, and it was so cute. My comment in your book was “Great job! I remember that day very well.” 🙂 After you read us your story (Daddy and I took turns at your desk because it was so crowded in your room with all the parents, plus the twins over on your reading area rug in their stroller), you read us a big chunk of one of the books you guys have been working through in class. Personal narratives have been your writing focus lately, and you did a great job using a narrative voice instead of a “reporter” voice. I absolutely love getting to come into your classroom and see what you’ve been up to. You love showing off your nicely organized desk, too, and all the cool types of seats you get to use instead of chairs. This was the first time Daddy got to see your room and locker this year. It was really fun, and you did a lot of hard work. I’m very proud of you, peanut!
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December 5, 2018
Last month you turned in a fire safety poster to our local fire station as part of a contest they were running. The winner got a ride to school in a firetruck, but the top 10 finalists all received prizes. A few weeks ago, I got a call that you were one of the finalists! We couldn’t believe it. You were so excited, and Daddy and I were so proud. Tonight was the little recognition ceremony. It was held right in the garage of another fire station, in between the firetrucks. You ended up taking 10th place, and I could tell you were a little bummed by that, but once I told you that I saw that all the other finalists who didn’t win got the same gift cards and certificates in their envelopes that you did, you perked right back up. Plus, there were over 200 entrants, so the fact that you were in the top 10 was incredible! Daddy and I were so very proud and happy for you, peanut, congratulations!
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December 8, 2018
Tonight was our annual dinner out and Nutcracker performance with Grandma Jenni, and it was so much fun again. We went to eat at The Rumpus Room, the same restaurant right across the street from the theater at which we ate last year. You and Lana each ate 13 maraschino cherries, so you were happy. Our friend and neighbor Luisa was an angel in the performance this year, so we all had fun watching her. You even found her name in the program. This is a tradition that we have come to love.
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December 10, 2018
You guys ended your session of swim lessons a month ago now, but you graduated up to level 3 from level 2. Great job! You are so much more comfortable in the water, and you can fully swim almost all the way across a pool now.
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December 25, 2018
Merry Christmas, peanut! I was so amazed with your Christmas list this year – you asked for a couple things, but you also asked for something for me! You kept saying you had a secret present on there that only you and Santa knew about, and you wouldn’t tell anyone what it was. When all of you were finished opening your presents this morning, you looked at me and said aw, your present didn’t come. I hadn’t opened my presents yet from Santa, which included 2 new pairs of slippers, and you got so excited when I opened the first pair. It was a pair of flip-flop slippers that I’ve wanted for months, and you jumped for joy and said they came! That was what you put on your own Christmas list – a present for me. I love you so very, very much, my love. No one has a kinder, truer heart than you, and even Santa noted it in his letter for you this year. You really wanted him to write his letter on the last page of the letter you gave him then return your original letter when he brought the presents, but unfortunately he said the mail bag hit a big snowstorm on the way back to the North Pole and all the mail got wet and mushy, so he wrote your letter on some new Santa paper. I just absolutely adore the little traditions like that that we’ve created, and each year just gets better and better with you guys. I love you so much!
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December 31, 2018
As you said when you were little, Happy Nu-Nu! Another wonderful year with all of you in the books, and I could not be happier with our now big family. I love you all so much, and I can’t wait to see what next year holds for all of us. Happy New Year!
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